Dark Academia: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Hauntingly Beautiful Trend
11 Dark Academia Must-Reads That Will Enchant You From the Very First Page
11 Dark Academia Books to Hook You from the Start
Welcome, fashion aficionados, to the fascinating world of Dark Academia, a TikTok trend that combines the dark, gothic aesthetic with the hauntingly beautiful nature of higher education. It’s like stepping into a preppy Wednesday Addams dream, with dusty leather-bound books and ivory-covered brick walls.
But Dark Academia is not just about the wardrobe (although who can resist a plaid skirt and black chunky sweater combo?). It’s a whole aesthetic that extends to the thrilling world of novels. Imagine secret societies, ghosts, blood, and yes, even fairy tale curses. These books bring another layer of goth to the usual creepy academic tale. So, grab your darkest lipstick, light some candles, and prepare to delve into the spooky realm of Dark Academia literature.
The Grimrose Girls: A Page-Turning Thriller
By Laura Pohl
For all you Pretty Little Liars fans out there, get ready to be enthralled by “The Grimrose Girls.” Following the mysterious death of their best friend, Ella, Yuki and Rory dive deep into their late friend’s final days at Grimrose. But what they uncover goes beyond just ancient fairy tale curses. They find themselves tied to their own haunting stories, trapped in a web of gruesome endings that they must stop. LGBTQ-friendly and filled with suspense, “The Grimrose Girls” is just the beginning of this thrilling series. Don’t miss “The Wicked Remain,” the latest release that continues to captivate readers.
Catherine House: A Shabby Splendor Revealed
By Elisabeth Thomas
Enter the world of Catherine House, a prestigious institution that has produced some of the brightest minds. Ines Murillo, looking to escape her troubled past, finds herself immersed in this supposedly liberating environment. However, tragedy strikes, and Ines begins to suspect that there’s more to Catherine House than meets the eye. Within its secretive walls, a dangerous agenda is hidden, and Ines must navigate the tightly knit group of students to uncover the truth. “Catherine House” will have you canceling plans, lighting candles, and pouring yourself a glass of wine for a night brimming with suspense and shocking twists.
A Lesson in Vengeance: Dark Past, Darker Future
By Victoria Lee
Prepare for an intense ride as you delve into “A Lesson in Vengeance.” Felicity Morrow returns to Dalloway School, still haunted by the tragic death of her girlfriend. Witchcraft is everywhere at Dalloway, particularly in Felicity’s old dormitory, where the spirits of the five Dalloway sisters lurk. Caught between the darkness of her past and the curiosity of the new girl, Ellis Haley, Felicity is drawn back into a world of secrets and untold horrors. LGBTQ-friendly and filled with eerie vibes, “A Lesson in Vengeance” is a chilling tale that will keep you enthralled until the last page.
The Cloisters: Uncover the Mystical Secrets
By Katy Hays
Forget the bright lights of the big city—hidden deep within the northern streets of the Bronx lies The Cloisters, a collection of Gothic buildings that will transport you to another world. Join Ann Stilwell as she takes on a job at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and discovers a 15th-century deck of tarot cards that holds the key to a potentially deadly future. “The Cloisters” is a captivating tale where medieval art, divination, and hidden danger collide. Get ready for a suspenseful journey through the mysteries of art and destiny.
Pretty Girls Make Graves: Romance, Suspense, and Dusty Libraries
By Stefanie Holmes
Romance, suspense, secret societies, cruel princes—oh, how the dark academia genre has it all. “Pretty Girls Make Graves” kicks off a thrilling series by Steffanie Holmes, following the story of Georgina “George” Fischer, who stumbles upon a shallow grave on Halloween night at Blackfriars University. Determined to uncover the truth about the girl buried there, George finds herself plunged into a world of dark secrets and bone-chilling revelations. You won’t be able to resist the twists and turns in this book, and be sure to grab a copy of “Brutal Boys Cry Blood” to continue the gripping journey.
If We Were Villains: Shakespeare’s Dark Tale Comes to Life
By M.L. Rio
Shakespeare’s tales are captivating enough, but “If We Were Villains” takes them to a whole new level. Join Oliver Marks, one of seven Shakespearean actors at Dellecher Classical Conservatory, as he navigates a world of tragedy and make-believe. When real violence threatens their final year, Oliver is forced to confront his troubled past and face the consequences of his actions. Prepare for a mesmerizing journey that seamlessly intertwines the stage and reality, leaving you breathless and yearning for more.
The Bequest: Centuries-Old Mystery Unveiled
By Joanna Margaret
Step into a world of family secrets, ancient marvels, and breathtaking scenery in “The Bequest.” After a disastrous affair, Isabel Henley finds herself in Scotland pursuing her PhD with a renowned feminist professor. But as fate would have it, her advisor unexpectedly passes away, leaving Isabel to uncover a centuries-old mystery. Alongside her enigmatic friend Rose, Isabel plunges into a gothic suspense story that spans Scotland, Paris, and Italy. Prepare to be captivated by the twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Anatomy: A Love Story: Dark, Sinister, and oh-so-Romantic
By Dana Schwartz
Dark academia doesn’t limit itself to university settings. “Anatomy: A Love Story” introduces us to Hazel Sinnett, a young woman enamored with surgical practices rather than societal expectations. Facing expulsion from the Edinburgh Anatomist’s Society, Hazel teams up with Jack Currer, a resurrection man on a mission. Together, they embark on a captivating journey filled with sinister secrets, fascinating romance, and the pursuit of knowledge. Dana Schwartz expertly weaves a tale that will have your hearts racing and your minds thirsting for more.
A Study in Drowning: When Fairy Tales Haunt Reality
By Ava Reid
Deeply immersed in the world of fairy tales, Effy Sayre finds herself drawn into a competition that could change her life forever. “A Study in Drowning” follows Effy as she uncovers the secrets of Emrys Myrddin, an esteemed author, and the dark forces conspiring against her. Joined by Preston Héloury, a literature scholar determined to expose the truth, Effy sets off on a journey that bridges the gap between the mortal and the magical. Immerse yourself in this spellbinding Gothic mystery, where romance intertwines with enchantment.
Ninth House: Forbidden Magic Meets Ivy-League Intrigue
By Leigh Bardugo
The enchanting tale of “Ninth House” introduces us to Galaxy “Alex” Stern, who’s offered a full scholarship to Yale but has no idea why. As she delves into the secrets of Yale’s secret societies, she uncovers a forbidden world of magic and necromancy. Leigh Bardugo expertly combines the ivy-covered halls of Yale with an enthralling dark academia fantasy. Prepare to be mesmerized by this critically acclaimed novel that launched Bardugo to soaring success.
In My Dreams I Hold a Knife: Love, Obsession, and the Power of Secrets
By Ashley Winstead
A decade after leaving Duquette University under a cloud of suspicion, Jessica Miller returns for a reunion in the hopes of rewriting her narrative. However, the looming shadow of murder still hangs over the alumni, centered around the mysterious death of Heather Shelby. “In My Dreams I Hold a Knife” immerses you in a tale of love, obsession, and buried secrets that refuse to stay hidden. With racing timelines and gripping suspense, Ashley Winstead weaves a story that will keep you guessing until the very end.
There you have it, dear readers, a captivating lineup of Dark Academia novels that will transport you to a world of dark enchantment and intellectual intrigue. Shop now and indulge in the spine-tingling atmospheres and fascinating characters these books have to offer. Let your love for fashion and literature collide in the most spectacular way possible.
Tell us, which Dark Academia novel are you most excited to dive into? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
